Another boundary hit as Belmont gets eruv OK

Belmont Synagogue is the latest community to secure planning permission for an eruv and it is hoped the religious boundary will be operational in time for Rosh Hashanah.

Harrow Council’s planning committee approved the application last week, following a two-year campaign by the 1,100-member congregation. Funds were raised to cover the application process, construction and initial maintenance.

It will link up with the Stanmore eruv to cover an area incorporating Belmont, Stanmore and Canons Park, allowing the observant to carry items on Shabbat and festivals.

“This is really an auspicious time for our shul,” said Rabbi Elchonon Feldman. “We have taken a huge step towards building the Belmont dream of an inclusive, vibrant and modern community where all are welcomed.”

The council received just one complaint from a local resident who believed the eruv would “spoil the view from their property and would impede visibility of traffic”. In contrast, 128 messages of support included one from Harrow East MP Bob Blackman. Harrow concluded that the eruv “would have an identified benefit to members of the local Jewish community and have no unduly detrimental impacts upon the wider community or the character and appearance of the area”.

Eruv campaign chair Anthony Broza said: “The community has embraced this project from day one. We are delighted to be working together with our friends from Stanmore Synagogue to help create a larger eruv.”